Melbourne International Comedy Festival review: Luisa Omielan is a stripping, swearing breath of fresh air

By Anne-Marie Peard

At 33, Luisa Omielan's been told she's too old and fat to be successful. Sold-out shows, adoring fans and her second Barry Award nomination tell that attitude where to go.

UK comedian Luisa Omielan is nominated for a Barry Award for her Melbourne International Comedy Festival show, Am I Right Ladies?!.

Am I Right Ladies?! follows on from last year's What Would Beyonce Do? She admits it's harder to be funny now she's not depressed, but it hasn't stopped her.

I want young women to see Omielan. She strips to her undies, swears, and talks about sex and depression in uncensored detail – which is so less offensive than the constant message that women should be ashamed of their size/shape/weight. When seven-year-olds don't eat because they want a thigh gap, so much needs to change.

She's been miserable and now knows that happiness should be our baseline, not a goal.

Comedy might not change the world, but Luisa Omielan makes people feel excited by what they see in the mirror every day. And less shame and more happiness can change lives.